St Andrew’s Church, Helpringham.
Report to the Parish Council at their Annual General meeting 8 May 24.
First of all, I would like my apologies recording as I am unable to be there in person to give this report, but rather than not submit anything, I thought this would be an acceptable method of informing you about our various endeavours.
CHURCH
The contractor has been given the go ahead by the Architect, who is working on our behalf, to arrange a commencement date for the replacement of the Nave roof, with repairs to the Chancel roof being done at the same time. In having this work done, it will hopefully ensure that our beautiful village church will be safe from water ingress for years to come. The roof is being replaced on a “like for like” basis. We have three weddings booked to take place at St Andrew’s this year alone.We are also installing a new sound system which uses Bluetooth from a mobile phone app which obviates the necessity for an organist, and makes it easier for playing music at funerals etc when families often want music which is personal to their loved one.
COMMUNITY CAFE
This is proving to be as popular as ever, with the menu growing weekly. We currently serve around 100 people at any one opening. As the weather improves we are looking to get some repairs done to the West doors so that these can be opened and folding tables and chairs put outside. We are also looking at opening more days and hours, and one of those days will be an afternoon for the school children as this proved so popular last year. We have just taken delivery of a “Mr Whippy” ice cream machine, so on one of our opening afternoons we will operate as an ice cream parlour. We have upgraded all our appliances and work surfaces to commercialgrade quality and we currently have a grant application in for a commercial coffee machine that will do speciality coffees.
We have been recognised by NKDC for the community work we do, as well as other organisations for supporting people with their mental health. All food handling certificates are current and our records inspected at our annual inspection by the Local Authority. All volunteers are trained as they join us.
FOODBANK
This is still up and running and we are supporting some families in the village with bus fares to and from Sleaford as well as memberships for the community larder. Food is always required and can be left at the Church during any café opening.
CLOCK
Following a survey that was done on the clock, we are now awaiting a start date from the new contractor to begin repairs to enable the clock to chime again. The striking hammer is being repaired and all should be back to normal. A new mechanism is being installed which works by GPS and therefore doesn’t need anyone to climb up the tower to make adjustments. Even when the hour changes twice a year, the clock will make its own adjustments.
I hope this goes a little way in explaining some of the things we are doing for the community as well as explaining some of the projects which are in the pipeline.
Fiona Lightfoot
Churchwarden/PCC Secretary.
For further information please contact the Church Warden Fiona Lightfoot